Best Margarita Houston 2011 - Hugo's

The tequila selection alone at Hugo's — more than 40 choices, counting its bottles of mezcal — should indicate that you're in for a serious cocktail at this Mexican favorite. Sommelier Sean Beck dreams up exciting twists on the classic cocktail, like El Sueño Profundo with smoky mezcal, but it's the standard Hugorita for $7.50 that we like best. Created with Sauza Silver, Hiram Walker Triple Sec, simple syrup and fresh lime juice, it's mixed tableside. We also love the Y Porque No margarita for only $5 during its weekday happy hours.

The best margarita I ever had at Hugo's was on a magical night I hope never happens again! We had just made it back into Houston after Ike, and we were driving around hoping to find somewhere open with food. The blocks all around Hugo's were dark, but the restaurant was shining and full of light. In honor of the Hurricane, the bartender had worked up a special margarita. After a day with no a/c, long drives and a return to apartments that were full of water, it was exactly the balm our souls needed.